DDA
Services Funded Through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
Why apply to the DDA for services?
No one lives completely independent of other people. At times, we all rely on our families, friends, neighbors and others in our communities for advice and assistance.
For many people with developmental disabilities, having really good supports is a necessity. Families, friends, neighbors and others in the community are a very important part of life and services that are specific to people with developmental disabilities (those funded by the Developmental Disabilities Administration) can also be important in building a meaningful life.
DDA funds many services that can help people with disabilities lead self- determined lives, including: transitioning youth services, day services, supported employment, vocational programs, transportation, respite care, individual support services, family support services, service/resource coordination, behavioral supports, community supported living arrangements (CSLA), summer programs and residential services.
Unlike education, supports funded by the DDA are not an entitlement. People must first be determined eligible for services and then money must be available for those services. There are always more people requesting services than funding available.
How to apply for services funded through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA):
Contact the DDA office for the region in which you live to find out if you may be eligible for services. You can contact them by phone or via email on line. On their website, you will find information about eligibility and services as well as a downloadable application form.
Regional Office Information:
Central Region
http://www.ddamaryland.org/CMRO/
(410) 902-4500
Toll-free: 1-877-874-2494
Western Region
http://www.ddamaryland.org/WMRO/
(301) 791-4670
Toll-free 1-888-791-0193
Southern Region
http://www.ddamaryland.org/SMRO/
(301) 362-5100
Toll-free: 1-888-207-2479
Eastern Shore
http://www.ddamaryland.org/ESRO/
(410) 334-6920
Toll-free: 1-888-219-0478
What happens after you send your application to DDA?
DDA will notify you that your application has been received and will then assign a representative, either an employee of DDA or a Service/Resource Coordinator, who will complete a home visit with you and your family member with a disability to gather information about your situation. The information will be submitted to DDA so that DDA can determine if you are eligible for services and assess your priority for services compared to other people who are applying.
Additional information about the application process is available at: http://www.dhmh.state.md.us/dda/howtoapply.htm or by contacting Service Coordination for a copy of our detailed brochure “Eligibility and Access (E&A) to Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration Services.”
What a Service Coordinator Can Do to Help You
You do not need to wait for DDA funding to start making your dreams a reality. Your Service Coordinator can help you take steps toward your future goals in many ways, including:
- Working with you to develop a plan that outlines your current needs and wishes and helping you to begin to put that plan into action
- Assisting you with advocacy to get more of what you need and want in your life
- Being a sounding board
- Creative problem solving and brainstorming ideas
- Linking you to resources that can meet some immediate needs, such as funding for camp, classes, equipment, or medical bills
- Helping you connect with resources and other people in your community
More information about what a Service Coordinator can do to help you is available on this website at: www.servicecoordinationinc.org/services/. If you do not have a Service Coordinator, you may be able to request one by contacting your DDA Regional Office.
Selecting a Provider
When the need for formal services from a DDA-licensed provider arises and you are notified that funding is available, your Service Coordinator can help you through the process of choosing the agency that best meets the needs of your family member by:
- Providing help as you request
- Providing you with ideas for the many questions to ask potential providers: Questions families may want to ask. Questions families may want to ask.
- Attending meetings and visits with potential providers
- Assisting you in reviewing the plan from potential providers
- Continuing to help you connect with additional supports and people in your community
- Keeping in touch to see how things are going and if you need any help once you have begun receiving services
Additional information is available from our “Selecting a Provider” Fact Sheet: selectingaprovideragency.pdf
